What is CentreREADY?CentreREADY is a workforce preparedness initiative of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) and the county’s public school districts and career/technical training institutions. This voluntary collaborative worker certification program is designed to better match local employers with a quality workforce – future employees who have achieved desired levels of proficiency in the skills employers want and businesses need to be successful.

Does my school participate in CentreREADY?

​The following educational institutions participate in CentreREADY:

Bald Eagle Area School District

Bellefonte Area School District

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

Penns Valley Area School District

Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District

South Hills School of Business & Technology

State College Area School District

What does it mean to be CentreREADY?

Earning the CentreREADY designation means your educational institution has assessed you as proficient in the six core job skills that employers in Centre County and the area say are essential for employees to possess. The six core job skills are:

Work Ethic

Tactfulness/Manners

Team Work

Communication (written/verbal/interpersonal)

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Understanding Supervision/World of Work

Why do I need CentreREADY skills?

One of the biggest challenges currently facing employers across industry sectors is finding employees with the appropriate skill sets, including core job skills. Centre County employers from all industries have specifically identified the six CentreREADY skills as being essential for their employees to possess:

“At Geisinger, we want our patients to have a truly exceptional experience,” Nussbaum explained. “In order to fulfill that mission, we need people with strong core values and the technical skills to make that happen.”

“We can teach the skills necessary to succeed in the HVAC and plumbing fields. What Goodco Mechanical appreciates and looks for in its team members are individuals who possess strong basic skills.”

Scott Good, President and CEO, Goodco Mechnical

How do I enroll in CentreREADY?

Enrollment is voluntary. Visit your academic advisor or school counselor to enroll in CentreREADY and begin your path toward obtaining the business community’s seal of approval for workforce readiness.

What requirements do I have to meet to be designated CentreREADY?

CentreREADY educational partners have developed assessment criteria for each of the six core attributes, based on their individual curriculum offerings and 21st century skills experiences. Your school counselor or academic advisor is available to discuss CentreREADY measurement in more detail.

What happens once I earn the designation?

Individuals who have earned the CentreREADY designation will be recognized at graduation, receiving a CentreREADY chord and certificate. CentreREADY individuals will also receive a CentreREADY seal and language to include on job applications and resumes indicating proficiency in core job skills. Their names and contact information will be provided to the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County in order to share with the local business community/hiring employers.

How will employers know I am CentreREADY?

After earning the CentreREADY designation, include it on your resume and discuss it during job interviews. Because CentreREADY is in direct response to local employers’ concerns about skills gaps in the workforce, most local employers are familiar with the CentreREADY initiative and what the designation signifies. The CBICC will publicly acknowledge students earning the designation, and will share this information with the business community. The CBICC will also attempt to match CentreREADY individuals with available job opportunities.

I am attending college after high school graduation; does earning the CentreREADY designation still benefit me?

Yes! Earning the CentreREADY designation will show future employers – whenever and wherever you enter the workforce – that you possess the necessary core job skills that are valued by businesses across industry sectors, and that you took extra steps to prepare for your future career.

“As an employer, we’re not only looking for professional experiences and knowledge that aligns with our industry but also core skills such as work ethic, communication and problem-solving. The CentreREADY designation tells us that a job candidate has demonstrated proficiency in those areas; it’s an indicator that can help an applicant stand out.”

Jeremy Frank, President and Co-Founder, KCF Technologies, Inc.

I plan to leave the area for work. Is earning the CentreREADY designation still beneficial?

​Yes! The need for employees with strong core skills is not unique to Centre County. Businesses nationwide have expressed concern that these types of skills are lacking in the workforce. The ability to demonstrate that you took extra steps to prepare for your career by earning the designation will make any employer take notice.